Hope for more birthdays

With a message of hope and a festive atmosphere, but with the realities of cancer heavy on their hearts, many members of the community gathered Saturday for Relay for Life, a fundraiser and relay walk for cancer charities.

The event, held at Rainy River Community College, raised more than $21,000. Relay for Life, through the American Cancer Society, funds cancer research, education and patient support, some of which directly benefits Koochiching County cancer patients.

A sort-of birthday party was held Saturday for the event. This year’s theme was “a world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays.” The party included a magician, music, food, cake, balloons and games — all the makings for a good family-friendly celebration.

And while hope and happiness were obvious in many — the grief, pain and somber stories of cancer patients and family of those who have died from the disease underscored why the money is so important for research and support.

For example, according to Angele Hartell, American Cancer Society staff partner, money raised help support 16 ACS research grants in the amount of $8.3 million at the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic. Also, 24 Koochiching County cancer patients received support from September through April as a result of support from previous years of relay.

“I have become a strong believer that someday some of those words that people hear, they will not have to hear any longer — ‘I have cancer,’” said Laurie Humbert, Relay for Life chair. “Sometimes even a glimpse of hope is all we have in the world of cancer. We are the hope, we are relayers. We are raising funds together so that one day there may be no more long car rides to the doctor, no kids missing school because they don’t have the strength to sit in a classroom chair, no moms or dads missing their kids’ activities because they’re gone to treatments.”

Humbert’s son Blaine successfully finished cancer treatments in December, she said.

There were public moments of strength — such as cancer survivor Mike Ward, Voyageurs National Park superintendent, speaking for the first time to a group about his battle with cancer 12 years ago that caused reduced movement on the left side of his face. One of the most poignant moments was when Ward described receiving a cancer diagnosis while sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room in front of other patients, with his wife out of town.

Gwen Street, who had surgery two years ago to remove a massive tumor filling her head, discussed her roller coaster of emotions at mixed diagnosis, as well as healing time spent at the Hope Lodge. “Never give up hope,” she concluded.

Support and love from friends, family and even strangers were mentioned by both Ward and Street as important in their recovery.

Later in the evening, sisters Samantha and Elizabeth Hanson, and mother Deanna read poems, tears filling their eyes, written by Elizabeth about brother Alfred Hanson, who was named an honorary firefighter before his death from kidney cancer.

Polly Hebig, of Northstar Hospice, discussed personal and professional experiences as a caregiver. Bobbie Schneller, Rainy Lake Medical Center doctor, discussed the difficulties she faced the first time she told a patient they had cancer, as well as the importance of preventative care and routine testing. The Rev. Shane Belding provided an invocation.

But not even the threat of rain, which moved the Relay for Life from outdoors at Smokey Bear Park to inside at Rainy River Community College, could dampen the spirits and resolve of those who walked, played and gathered together to raise their collective spirits and money for cancer-related causes.

Each walking team sponsored events, including a bouncy castle, games, face painting, hat decorating and food booths. Singers Bailey Vollum and Jessie Kirschenman performed for enthusiastic crowds. Their songs were followed by karaoke with King of the Road Entertainment’s John Streiff. “Grampa Magic” Jim Nelson entertained children with tricks.

Local “celebrities” Willi Kostiuk, Dieter Humbert, Lori Lyman, Suzie Best and Paul Eklund were all creamed with pies for the cause. The “celebrity pie” event was emceed by Harley Droba.

Children — and a few adults — lined up to purchase pies and smoosh the unlucky contestants with the whipped-cream-filled tins. Pie purchasers chose who should field a cancer-related question. Contestants who answered correctly were spared the sticky surprise, and were able to choose a fellow panelist to receive their just “desserts.” But an incorrect answer led to a playful pieing.

At dusk, luminaries lining the walking course in the college hallway were lit in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who died from cancer.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back. Those are the cornerstones of the Relay for Life mission. The 2010 relay was a true birthday celebration, complete with participants from all aspects of the community and events that had everyone excited. Moving stories and luminaries commemorated the struggle and grief associated with cancer. And through the proceeds from the event, more local people will be helped through their journey and research will continue to find a cure.